Railing Through Faith: IRCTC Launches Divine East Temple Tour

Pearl Doshi - Gujarat Bureau Jun 28, 2026 1,450 Views

IRCTC has launched an 11-day "Divine East Temple Tour" on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train, connecting Delhi with major pilgrimage sites like Kashi, Gangasagar, Puri, and Baidyanath Dham. The all-inclusive semi-luxury package offers AC travel, vegetarian meals, and guided tours to promote India's spiritual and cultural heritage.

NEW DELHI — The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially launched the "Divine East Temple Tour," a specialized tourism circuit designed to connect pilgrims and travelers with iconic heritage and religious sites in Eastern India. The 11-day rail journey, operated on the state-of-the-art Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train, departs from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station, offering a comprehensive itinerary that spans Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

As India continues to prioritize domestic religious tourism, this new circuit provides a structured, semi-luxury travel experience for those seeking to visit multiple sacred landmarks without the logistical challenges of independent travel. The tour is a cornerstone of the national government's Bharat Gaurav scheme, which aims to leverage rail infrastructure to promote cultural and historical discovery.

A Pilgrimage Across Four States

The tour itinerary is carefully curated to include several of India's most significant spiritual centers. Passengers will begin their journey in Varanasi, where they will witness the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the evening Ganga Aarti. From there, the route heads east into West Bengal, covering Kolkata’s historic landmarks and the sacred shores of Gangasagar, including the Kapil Muni Temple.

The journey then moves south into Odisha, providing pilgrims with darshan at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri and visits to the architectural marvels of the Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. The final leg of the spiritual circuit concludes at Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, before the train returns to Delhi.

Modern Amenities for Spiritual Travelers

The Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train is engineered to blend traditional pilgrimage with modern comfort. The train features:

Accommodations: Well-appointed cabins across AC I, AC II, and AC III classes.
Dining: Two on-board "rail restaurants" serving hygienic, fresh vegetarian meals.
On-board Comforts: Enhanced safety and security features, CCTV surveillance, and specialized tour managers to assist passengers throughout the 11-day voyage.

"The introduction of this circuit is aimed at providing a seamless, comfortable, and enriching experience for devotees who wish to traverse the cultural map of Eastern India," according to official statements from IRCTC. The tour package is designed to be all-inclusive, covering hotel stays in three-star accommodations, local transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and professional tour guide services.

Why It Matters

This initiative is significant for the domestic tourism sector as it streamlines travel to geographically dispersed pilgrimage sites. By providing an all-inclusive package, the IRCTC simplifies the travel process for elderly pilgrims and families. Furthermore, the 33% concession currently offered under the Bharat Gaurav scheme makes this semi-luxury experience more accessible, supporting the government's push to boost domestic travel while preserving India's cultural heritage.

Key Facts at a Glance

Duration: 11 days of curated travel across four states.
Key Stops: Includes Kashi Vishwanath, Gangasagar, Jagannath Puri, and Baidyanath Dham.
Pricing: Packages start at approximately ₹91,370 for AC III, with higher tiers available for AC II and AC I.
Inclusions: Train travel, 3-star hotel stays, all meals, local sightseeing, and comprehensive travel insurance.

FAQ

How can I book the Divine East Temple Tour?

Bookings can be made directly through the official IRCTC Tourism portal or by visiting authorized IRCTC tourism offices across India.

Does the package include all meals?

Yes, the package is all-inclusive and covers all vegetarian meals served on-board and off-board during the duration of the tour.

What is the Bharat Gaurav scheme?

It is a government-backed initiative that promotes themed, rail-based tourism circuits to showcase India's rich cultural and historical landscape to domestic and international travelers.

Source: IRCTC Tourism Official Portal, Newsonair, The Tribune